WALES head coach Warren Gatland wants to host more tier two nations at the Millennium Stadium in autumn internationals after their World Cup heroics, writes Chris Kirwan.
There have been calls to aid in the development of the likes of Japan, Georgia and Romania after their strong displays at England 2015.
The average winning margin of 20 points was the lowest in tournament history and the 'lesser' nations were more organised and more physical than ever before.
Given the saturation of fixtures against the big three of New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, there is an appetite for more encounters with burgeoning sides in the autumn.
In recent years Wales have welcomed a Pacific Islands side to Cardiff for one of four Tests – Fiji lasy year, Tonga in 2013 and Samoa enjoyed a stunning win in 2012 – and Gatland said he has told WRU bosses to set up more encounters.
"The beauty of this World Cup has been the performances of the tier-two nations – most obviously Japan against South Africa and Georgia against Tonga," said Gatland to the Independent.
"Some tier-one teams were putting 40 points on other tier-ones but the gap between the two tiers is closing now that the second-tier sides have more preparation time and more of their players are playing in Europe.
"I was at a Welsh Rugby Union meeting last week when I was asked whether Wales should be playing tier-two nations as part of the autumn series and my answer was 'yes' because it's part of our responsibility to develop them as well.
"Virtually the only time New Zealand play a tier-two nation is at the World Cup. We have to think about teams like Georgia, not just those who will generate money."
Meanwhile, Wales will face the Chiefs in a midweek fixture after the first of three Tests against New Zealand in the summer.
Warren Gatland will take his men to face the Super Rugby outfit in his hometown of Hamilton on Tuesday, June 14 following the opening Test against the world champions in Auckland.
"For the squad it will be an opportunity for further valuable game time together ahead of the second and third tests against the All Blacks," said Gatland about the fixture at FMG Stadium Waikato, which is subject to World Rugby approval.
"For me personally it will be an honour to bring Wales to Hamilton and face the Chiefs."
Wales took on Eastern Province Kings in South Africa last summer ahead of their first Test against the Springboks.
Wales' summer fixtures:
First Test – Saturday, June 11 (Auckland)
Chiefs – Tuesday, June 14 (Waikato)
Second Test – Saturday, June 18 (Wellington)
Third Test – Saturday, June 25 (Dunedin)
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